Sing & Ring Archives ~ ChimeWorks

Where Music Leaders Share and are Rewarded

All Creatures Great and Small – Lesson Plans about Animals using Handchimes

What better time of the year to introduce songs about our furry and feathered friends! At ChimeWorks, we have lesson plans that will surely delight your students as they sing and chime along to some new and some familiar tunes while learning how to harmonize a melody or follow the steps to early music reading.

ChimeWorks uses three teaching methods with the folk songs below to implement handchime use in the classroom or singing rehearsal. With icons, students will develop eye – hand coordination by initially using symbols or colors to introduce music literacy and gradually progressing to score reading. By using chords indicated by the teacher pointing to a chart, students can easily harmonize their singing. And finally, with ostinati lessons, harmonic patterns are taught by rote to harmonize the singing and develop more independence when playing.

All of the lessons are available for immediate purchase and digital download for pennies per student. Only one copy of the lesson is needed for teachers to bring effective music-making and success to the classroom. Browse our complete store here for other creative and successful lesson plans.

When using these lessons, be sure to check out Malmark’s colored bands to wrap on the handchimes which act as a valuable teaching aid when using colors.

Lessons using Icons

B-I-N-G-O

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Language: English
Origin: England

B-I-N-G-O is an English language folk song dating back to the late 1700s.

Baa, Baa Black Sheep

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Language: English
Origin: England

Baa, Baa Black Sheep is an English nursery rhymed dating back from 1731. Its original context is thought to be a complaint on the taxation of wool.

The Farmer in the Dell

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Language: English
Origin: Germany

The Farmer in The Dell is a nursery rhyme and children’s game. The song originated in Germany and was brought to North America in the late 19th century.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Language: English
Origin: America

Old MacDonald Had A Farm dates to the early years of the 20th century.

Lessons using Chords

Six Little Ducks

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Chords: 2
Language: English
Origin: England

Six Little Ducks is an English language nursery rhyme and singing game.

Ev’ryone But Me

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Chords:3
Language: English
Origin: America

Ev’ryone But Me is an American folk song with roots in New England.

Go Tell Aunt Rhody

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Chords: 3
Language: English
Origin: France

Jean-Jacques Rousseau composed the original tune as a gavotte or dance in the mid-1700s. The tune later traveled through England, Germany to New England where the folk text was added. Countries around the world use the tune for various folk texts.

Old MacDonald

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Chords: 3
Language: English
Origin: America

Old MacDonald Had A Farm dates to the early years of the 20th century. The tune will be familiar and allow the students to focus on chiming.

Lessons using Ostinati

The Frogs

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: America

The Frogs is a traditional campfire song sung by Girl Scouts in North America.

Sweetly Sings the Donkey

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: England

Sweetly Sings the Donkey is a traditional song that children love to sing. Additional verses may be created by adding animals and their sounds.

Ring in the New Year with Appealing Lesson Plans

Ring in the New Year with these lesson plans all about bells! Christmas break is just a few weeks away and will go by swiftly. Be prepared for the classroom or rehearsal on January 2^nd with these easy to teach lessons that will resonate!

For centuries, bells have played a major role in the lives of people around the globe. They were used to chase away evil spirits and yet, they also rang to center one’s own inner self. We hear bells to sound an alarm but also to gather us into communities. Peals ring at joyful times such as weddings and also, mourn those we have lost. Bells come in all shapes and sizes and continually reverberate in our lives.

At ChimeWorks, we have created the following lesson plans to celebrate the joy of ringing. Surely, bells are worth singing about!

All of the lesson plans below are available for immediate purchase and digital download with license to copy as much as needed:

Frère Jacques

Frère Jacques is a traditional French nursery rhyme. This song is about a monk who has overslept and is urged to wake up and sound the bells for the matins, the midnight or very early morning prayers for which a monk would be expected to wake.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Bells
Language: English, French
Origin: France

Frère Jacques II

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Type: Icons
Canon: Yes
Topic: Bells, Nursery Rhyme
Language: English, French
Origin: France

Great Tom is Cast

Great Tom Is Cast is an English round traditionally sung in three parts. It tells the story of the completion of the great bell of Christ Church, Oxford. The great bells in England are given names. “Tom” is the name of the great bell of Christ Church. The bell tower is also known as “Tom Tower”.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Bells
Language: English
Origin: England

Oh, How Lovely

Oh, How Lovely is a German round traditionally sung in three parts. It was brought to the United States during the early 19th century.

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon:Y es
Topic: Bells, Evening
Language: English
Origin: Germany

St. Paul’s Steeple

St. Paul’s Steeple is a traditional English folk song dating from the mid-17th century.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Type: Scales
Topic: Bells
Language: English
Origin: England

The Bell Doth Toll

The Bell Doth Toll is a three-part canon taken from the Twice 55 Song Collection published in 1918. Its origin is anonymous.

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Bells
Language: English
Origin: England

The Great Bells of Oseney

Oseney Abbey, once located in Oxford, was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1129, becoming an abbey around 1154. It was dissolved in 1539 but was created a cathedral at that time. It was one of the four renowned monastic houses of medieval Oxford. It no longer stands. The Tenor bell is the largest, heaviest and lowest sounding pitch in a peal of bells.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Bells
Language: English
Origin: England

Sing & Ring in Spring

Spring is the perfect time to sing and ring about nature’s glory. ChimeWorks offers some suggestions below for lesson plans using a variety of teaching techniques and objectives.

With these folksongs, we can enrich our students with a greater appreciation of the beauty of the world around them. Many of these songs have been passed through the centuries and are classic examples of fine musical literature for young musicians.

All of these lesson plans are available for immediate purchase and digital download at the cost of $2.29 each – just pennies per student – in our “Handchimes in the Classroom & Rehearsal” store.

Lesson Plans with Chordal Harmonization

Come, Follow Me

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 3
Canon: Yes
Topic: Nature
Language: English
Origin: England

Come Follow is an English folk song dating from the late 17th century. It was written by John Hilton in 1652. It is a three part round or canon.

I Love The Mountains

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 4
Canon: Yes
Topic: Nature
Language: English
Origin: America

I Love the Mountains is a traditional American campfire song passed down through generations.

Lesson Plans with Harmonization by Ostinati

Sakura

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Topic: Spring
Language: Japanese
Origin: Japan

Sakura is a traditional Japanese folk song telling of springtime and cherry blossoms. It dates from the late the Edo period between 1603 and 1868. It is based on the Phrygian mode.

Come, Let Us All A-Maying Go

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Spring
Language: English
Origin: England

Come, Let Us All A-Maying Go is a three part round or canon. John Hilton the younger was an Early English Baroque composer.

Lesson Plans Using Icons to Teach Music Literacy

Bunessan (Morning Has Broken)

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Icons
Topic: Nature, Praise
Language: English
Origin: Scotland

The melody, Bunessan, was named after a town in Scotland. During the 19th century it was set to the text of Morning Has Broken.

Baa, Baa Black Sheep

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Type: Icons
Topic: Animals, Nursery Rhyme
Language: English
Origin: England

Baa, Baa Black Sheep is an English nursery rhymed dating back from 1731. Its original context is thought to be a complaint on the taxation of wool.

Peace & Harmony in the Classroom and World

It’s always good to incorporate life lessons into our music. During the past weeks, we have witnessed students from around the globe become organizers of change. They have been using their voices to condemn policy, violence, social injustice and hatred to name a few. These leaders were formed in their homes, communities, centers of faith and in their classrooms. Through lessons in the music classroom, we can also share in the social development of our children.

At ChimeWorks, we offer the lessons below in the theme of peace. They combine a great text and tune with easy-to-teach harmonization which will work well in the classroom or concert stage. All are available for immediate purchase and digital download at the cost of $2.29 each – just pennies per student – in our “Handchimes in the Classroom & Rehearsal” store.

Lessons Using Chords to Harmonize Singing

Dona Nobis Pacem

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Canon: Yes
Language: Latin
Origin: Europe

Dona Nobis Pacem is a traditional song in round or canon form. The text translates to Grant Us Peace and is taken from the Latin mass. While the source of this canon is unknown, it is believed to date from the 16th century.

Greeting of Peace

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Chords: 5
Language: English, Hebrew
Origin: Israel

Hevenu Shalom A’leychem is a traditional Jewish greeting wishing the goodness of a peace-filled life.

Peace Like a River

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Chords: 3
Language: English
Origin: African American Spiritual

Peace Like A River is an African American Spiritual. The first three items of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) are love, joy, and peace. This spiritual compares the peace of God to a placidly flowing river, the joy of Christ to a merrily bubbling fountain, and the love of God to a deep, wide ocean.

Shalom Chaverim

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Chords: 3
Canon:Y es
Language: English, Hebrew
Origin: Israel

Meaning farewell, good friends, Shalom Chaverim is a traditional song sung at parting. It may be sung in English or Hebrew. It may be used as a three-part canon (round). It may be used for welcoming guests or in teaching friendship.

Lessons Using Ostinati Taught by Rote to Harmonize Singing

Good and Joyous

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Canon: Yes
Language: English, Hebrew
Origin: Israel

Good and Joyous is a traditional Hebrew song usually sung in canon (round) form. It is based on Psalm 133. In the text, the word people may be used in place of brothers.

Happy Days

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: America

Happy Days is a four-part canon that has been sung for generations. Its origin is unknown.

Make New Friends

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: America

Make New Friends is a traditional campfire song sung by Girl Scouts in North America.

Celebrate Music

March is Music in Our Schools Month. It’s the time that we demonstrate the powerful effect of music in the lives of our students. What better way to mark this month then to sing and ring about our art. Children will remember the songs that we teach them throughout their lives. Be it a catchy tune, silly lyrics or an engaging movement, the music that we teach will impact our students in different ways, but the end results are the same – lifelong memories.

As teachers of music, we hope to instill an appreciation, love or passion for music into our students. We do this best by actively involving them in the music-making process allowing them to be creative as they go and encouraging them to connect their experiences to the world around them. We also know that music will stimulate the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social growth of our students affecting their lives in so many ways.

We balance our choice of lessons and repertoire to broaden our students – classical, folk, world and nonsense songs fill our teaching space – all to provide our students with a varying wealth of repertoire. Along with our singing, we introduce drums and other percussion, recorders, Orff instruments, ukuleles, Boomwhackers^®, KidsPlay^® bells and handchimes all in effort for our students to find their voice. In the end, our hope is for well-rounded young musicians leading to accomplished adults who are kinder, gentler and welcoming.

How often do we stop and sing about it? Music, that is. During this month, we have an opportunity to sum up all that we offer with songs that praise our beloved art. Words that express how wonderful music is that our students will remember for a lifetime.

Share the joy of music with some of the following ChimeWorks lesson plans that will allow your students to sing and ring about it! All of the lesson are available for immediate purchase and digital download. Once copy at $2.29 will bring the gift of music to all of your classes. Click the title of each lesson to find it in the store.

Merrily, Merrily Greet The Morn

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Music, Nature
Language: English
Origin: England

Merrily, Merrily Greet The Morn is an English Folk song published in 1917 in the book, 55 Songs and Choruses for Community Singing. The song’s words and horn-like music represent hunting scenes in England.

Music Alone Shall Live

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 3
Topic: Music
Language:English
Origin: Germany

Music Alone Shall Live is a German folk song in three-art round or canon form

O Music, Sweet Music

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 2
Canon: Yes
Topic: Music
Language: English
Origin: America

The three-part round or canon, O Music, Sweet Music, is attributed to Lowell Mason, an American hymn writer. This piece uses two chords and is a wonderful introduction into chiming and singing together.

Sing Together

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: General, Music
Language: English
Origin: Unknown

Sing Together is a folk song of unknown origin. It is a three-part canon or round.

Viva La Musica

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Classical, Music
Language: Italian
Origin: Germany

Viva La Musica was written in the17th century by German composer, Michael Praetorius. The Italian text translates to long live music!

A Ringing Salute to the Presidents

ChimeWorks is your source musical lesson plans using handchimes and we have some to share for next week!

President’s Day is right around the corner – the American holiday celebrated each year on the third Monday of February. Originally established in 1885 to celebrate President George Washington’s birthday, it was celebrated on February 22^nd, his birthdate. It was moved in 1971 with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers.

With the shift in date, many believed that the intent was to honor Washington and Abraham Lincoln and quickly, the holiday was renamed President’s Day to honor not only Washington and Lincoln but all U.S. Presidents, past and present.

There’s no better way to honor American leaders than by singing about our country which they helped to build and make stronger. We honor our country by singing about the values of it which we hold so dear.

At ChimeWorks, we have the following lesson plans to help you honor our leaders and country through singing and ringing. All of the lesson plans are available for immediate purchase and digital download for $2.29 each. Click on each title to take you to the store and let freedom ring!

Lesson Plans using chords to harmonize the melody by chord chart:

America

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Chords: 4

My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, also known as America, is an American patriotic song. The lyrics were written by Samuel Francis Smith and the melody used is the same as that of the national anthem of the United Kingdom, God Save the Queen, by Thomas Arne. The song served as one of the national anthems of the United States before the adoption of The Star-Spangled Banner as the official anthem in 1931.

America The Beautiful

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Chords: 4

America The Beautiful is an American patriotic song dating from the late 19th century. The poem was originally written and entitled “Pike’s Peak” and the tune, “Materna” was written for an alternate text. The two were combined and published in 1910.

Lesson plans using the Sing & Ring method – harmonize through song sheets, ring when the word is outlined and damp when it is underscored:

The Star-Spangled Banner

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6

Written in September 1814, The Star-Spangled Banner, was inspired by Francis Scott Key’s witness of the American flag still waving after the battle at Fort McHenry in Baltimore. It was set to music composed in 1775. The song became our National Anthem in 1931.

America The Beautiful

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3- 6

America The Beautiful is an American patriotic song dating from the late 19th century. The poem was originally written and entitled “Pike’s Peak” and the tune, “Materna” was written for an alternate text. The two were combined and published in 1910.

Sing & Ring about Love & Friendship

Valentine’s Day is not just about cupid and romance. It brings the opportunity to sing about the values of friendship. At ChimeWorks, we have lesson plans to share that you will be able to use over the coming weeks to not only celebrate love but also, teach of the importance of peer interactions and relationships.

A Tisket, A Tasket

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Type: Icons
Language: English
Origin: America

A Tisket, A Tasket was first noted in 1879. It was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald in 1938.

Scarborough Fair

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 5
Language: English
Origin: England

Scarborough Fair is and English folk song. Known as a ballad, it tells of a fair in the town of Scarborough in York.

Happy Days

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: America

Happy Days is a four-part canon that has been sung for generations. Its origin is unknown.

Skip To My Lou

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2
Type: Icons
Language: English
Origin: America

Skip To My Lou is a 19th century American folk song and party game. During Puritan times, the fiddle was seen as evil therefore, young people created songs which involved clapping and movement rather than dancing. “Lou” is Scottish for “love”. Use this lesson plan to teach eye-hand coordination as a stepping stone to music literacy.

Make New Friends

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: America

Make New Friends is a traditional campfire song sung by Girl Scouts in North America.

Shalom Chaverim

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 3
Canon: Yes
Language: English, Hebrew
Origin: Israel

Meaning farewell, good friends, Shalom Chaverim is a traditional song sung at parting. It may be sung in English or Hebrew. It may be used as a three-part canon (round). It may be used for welcoming guests or in teaching friendship.

Come, Follow

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 3
Canon: Yes
Language: English
Origin: England

Come Follow is an English folk song dating from the late 17th century. It was written by John Hilton in 1652. It is a three part round or canon.

Good and Joyous

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Language: English, Hebrew
Origin: Israel

Good and Joyous is a traditional Hebrew song usually sung in canon (round) form. It is based on Psalm 133. In the text, the word people may be used in place of brothers.

Handchimes and Black History Month

February 1^st is just around the corner and the observance of Black History Month arrives with it. To celebrate and educate about this rich cultural heritage, a great resource can be found in the African American Spiritual, perhaps the most significant type of American folk song. By teaching the history, text and tunes of Spirituals we can impart a deeper understanding and awareness of this part of American culture.

Understanding the history of Spirituals and the different types will help those singing and listening have a greater understanding. An informative synopsis produced by the Library of Congress offers a deeper look into this art form and can be found in the article, African American Spirituals. We suggest that a brief history and explanation of the type of Spiritual being performed be shared with your students and audience to offer them a greater connection to what is being presented.

Using handchimes, we can introduce Spirituals in a number of ways. Some of these resources include singing and some do not; either way, we recommend that the text and melody be taught by rote first to insure a deeper understanding of the song and its original use before introducing the handchime parts or score.

The resources below can be found on the ChimeWorks website and are available for immediate purchase and digital download.

Handchimes in the General Music Classroom or Choral Rehearsal

Kum-Bah-Yah (Chords)

Use:Sacred
Level:K – 2, 3 – 6
Chords:3
Topic:Praise, Spiritual
Language:English
Origin:African American Spiritual

Students will harmonize the song by ringing chords when indicated either by chart or color.

Kum-Bah-Yah (Ring & Sing)

Use:Sacred
Level:3 – 6
Topic:Praise, Spiritual
Language:English
Origin:African American Spiritual

Students will harmonize the song by reading the text and ringing when a word is outlined and damping when it is underscored.

Come by here is the translation of Kum-bah-yah. This song has been passed down by mouth and has become a favorite of camps and meeting places. Originally, it was sung by those in need.

Michael, Row the Boat Ashore

Use:Sacred, Secular
Level:K – 2, 3 – 6
Type:Chords
Chords:3
Topic:Spiritual
Language:English
Origin:America

Students will harmonize the song by ringing chords when indicated either by chart or color.

Michael Row the Boat Ashore is an African American Spiritual first noted during the Civil War.

Peace Like a River

Use:Sacred, Secular
Level:K – 2, 3 – 6
Type:Chords
Chords:3
Topic:Peace, Spiritual
Language:English
Origin:African American Spiritual

Students will harmonize the song by ringing chords when indicated either by chart or color.

Peace Like A River is an African American Spiritual. The first three items of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) are love, joy, and peace. This spiritual compares the peace of God to a placidly flowing river, the joy of Christ to a merrily bubbling fountain, and the love of God to a deep, wide ocean.

From Singing to Ringing

Author/Composer/Arranger:Karen Thompson
Use:Sacred
Octaves Used – Select One:2 – 3 Octaves
Level:Level 1, Level 2
Topic:General
Origin:African American Spiritual
Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo:Caution

From Singing to Ringing is a valuable resource for teaching and reinforcing some basic, yet essential, music skills needed to ring handbells. Keeping a steady beat and visually tracking music from beat to beat (and measure to measure) are important skills that handbell ringers must accomplish to be successful. The conventional approach to aid in learning these two skills in a handchime/handbell setting is counting aloud by director and/or ringers. From Singing to Ringing serves the same purpose as counting aloud, but in a more enjoyable and engaging way. Additionally, rhythms are easier to perform and internalize when sung. If they can sing it, they can ring it!

For the Handchime Ensemble

Five Spirituals

Author/Composer/Arranger:Bill Ingram
Use:Sacred
Octaves Used – Select One:2 – 3 Octaves
Level:Level 1, Level 1+
Topic:General
Origin:African American Spiritual
Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo:Caution

Bill Ingram continues the popular level one series with five attractive spirituals. One or two move into the level 1+ rating, offering good teaching opportunities while providing satisfying ringing experiences. These will be useful for school, church or concert venues.

Morning Songs

Author/Composer/Arranger:Bill Ingram
Use:Sacred
Octaves Used – Select One:2 – 3 Octaves
Level:Level 1
Topic:General
Origin:African American Spiritual, Ireland

Here is a set of three familiar melodies that share the theme of morning. The titles included are “Jesus in the Morning,” “Morning Has Broken,” and “My Lord, What a Morning.” The graduating levels of difficulty of the pieces make this set an ideal selection for the developing ensemble. Since the melodies are familiar, these are excellent teaching pieces to help ringers identify them on the page and work to bring them out when ringing. Because of their versatility, you may find yourself pulling these out every year.

Spirituals for Twelve Bells

Author/Composer/Arranger:Bill Ingram
Use:Sacred, Secular
Octaves Used – Select One:12 Note, Small Ensemble
Level:Level 2, Level 2+
Topic:General, Spiritual
Origin:African American Spiritual

As the volume of literature for 12 bells or chimes in F continues to grow, this collection of spirituals will be a welcome addition. The spirituals, listed below, range from lively and bold to reflective and meditative. With no bell changes (thus no tables needed) there will be many opportunities to use these arrangements. Contents: Lord, I Want to Be a Christian; Steal Away; Great Day!; There Is a Balm in Gilead; Every Time I Feel the Spirit

You’ll Shine in the Light of the Silvery Moon with These Winter Concert Pieces

By now preparations are underway for your Winter Concert! ChimeWorks has some suggestions for easy to teach songs with handchime accompaniment that will bring your program ringing success.

During this busy time of the year, let us do the work for you! The lesson plans below are available for immediate purchase and download from ChimeWorks and include goals for NAfMe music standards, objectives and process for teaching in addition to the music score.

Check out the titles below that will have you shining in the silvery moon:

Alleluia by Mozart

This popular melody is taken form Mozart’s larger work, Exultate Jubilate.

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 4
Canon: Yes
Topic: Classical, Praise
Language: Latin
Origin: Germany

Alleluia Round

Alleluia Round is a traditional canon. Its origin is unknown.

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Classical, General, Praise
Language: Latin
Origin: Unknown

Dona Nobis Pacem

Dona Nobis Pacem is a traditional song in round or canon form. The text translates to Grant Us Peace and is taken from the Latin mass. While the source of this canon is unknown, it is believed to date from the 16th century.

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 3
Canon: Yes
Topic: Classical, Peace
Language: Latin
Origin: Europe

Gaudeamus Hodie

Gaudeamus Hodie translates to Let Us Rejoice Today!

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Christmas, General, Praise
Language: Latin
Origin: Europe

Jubilate Deo

Jubilate Deo can be challenging as a six-part canon. Adding the ostinati will make it sparkle. The translation of the Latin is: O be joyful in the Lord.

Use: Sacred, Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Classical, General, Praise
Language: Latin
Origin: Europe

Now We Say Farewell

Now We Say Farewell is a two-part canon (round) published in Chapel Gems for Sunday Schools published in 1866.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 3
Canon: Yes
Topic: Farewell, Labor
Language: English
Origin: England

Ode To Joy

Ode To Joy was written by Ludwig van Beethoven and is part of the final movement of his Symphony No. 9.

Level: 3 – 6
Type: Chords
Chords: 5
Topic: Classical
Language: English
Origin: Germany

Rise Up O, Flame

Rise Up, O Flame is a traditional campfire song sung by Girl Scouts in North America.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: Classical
Language: English
Origin: England

Sing Together

Sing Together is a folk song of unknown origin. It is a three-part canon or round.

Use: Secular
Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Canon: Yes
Topic: General, Music
Language: English
Origin: Unknown

Welcome Every Guest

While the song, Welcome Every Guest, appears in Walker’s Southern Harmony published in 1847, it can found earlier in Brownson’s Select Harmony published in 1783. The reference to the Sacred Nine probably refers to the nine muses of Greek Mythology. This would be a wonderful opening to a concert program.

Use: Secular
Level: 3 – 6
Type: Ostinati
Topic: Music
Language: English
Origin: America

The above lesson plans are on the ChimeWorks website and available at the low price of $2.29 each. If you’re not already a member, log on for your two-week trial membership today!

Christmas in a Snap

Christmas is less than two months away and preparation time for holiday music is quickly diminishing. Whether you are planning music for a concert, a social gathering or worship, you’ll find the resources below helpful as you choose repertoire.

The collections feature well-known Christmas carols with the text and melody line written along with simple chords to be accompanied by handchimes or handbells. Not only do they avail themselves to almost any ringing ensemble, they are a perfect way to engage your audience this Christmas by having them participate in your program.

Whether you are working with beginning or experiences ringers, these Level 1 arrangements lend themselves to all types of performance possibilities:

Solo voice with rung accompaniment
Unison Voices with rung accompaniment
B^b or C Solo instrument with rung accompaniment
Keyboard with rung harmonic accompaniment
Combined instrumentation with rung accompaniment

Click the titles below to see sample pages:

Ring & Sing Christmas

12 Christmas carols and 7 secular Christmas songs are presented here as texts paired with simple, chordal, handbell/handchimes accompaniments. Each title is presented in both 2-octave and 3-octave settings. All are in the key most commonly found in hymnals and carol books. The vocal parts can be sung by soloists, choirs, carolers or congregation. The settings may be used alone to accompany group singing or may be added to keyboard-accompanied congregational singing or “sing-alongs.” All the music may be reproduced for use by your choir.

Christmas Carol Accompaniments

Christmas Carol Accompaniments, Volume 2

These collections will be an invaluable resource for the Christmas season! They are also a wonderful budget stretcher. With the purchase of these collections, the original purchaser (church, school, or community ensemble) is granted permission to make copies as needed for their choir. The easy accompaniment chords may be played on either handbells or handchimes. The carol melodies may be sung and/or played by an instrument. Sing-along sheets are included, as well as instrumental parts for B-flat and C-treble instruments and C-bass instruments. The accompaniments may be rung with or without keyboard, and a list of harmonically compatible hymnal settings is provided. Suggestions are also included for combing carols into a medley. This flexible collection is ideal for your carol accompaniment needs–whether the melody is sung or played–throughout the holiday season.

The above resources are available on the ChimeWorks website for immediate purchase and digital download